As 2024 slowly approaches its end, we take this time to pinpoint the individuals we believe have made major contributions to the music industry and have supported many of the artists we have come to love over the year.
We are highlighting the ‘Top Executives of 2024 We Can’t Ignore‘ as a way to shine light on the people who truly power many of the memorable moments and sounds of the year. Most know the celebrities and music stars that are placed at the forefront, but we pride ourselves here at GoodGarbs for knowing both sides of the coin. As important as it is for us to highlight the newcomers in music as well as those who have maintained momentum over the years, we know how important the team behind these acts truly are. For us, ‘Executive’ is a power-player within the music industry from A&Rs to lawyers all the way to production companies to tech specialists. We want to congratulate the many members of the Music Industry and want to continue to show support for their efforts yearly!
Executives & Managers
KEI HENDERSON (THIRD & HAYDEN)
Kei Henderson has undoubtedly imprinted the legacy and brand of Third & Hayden into all functions and facilities across the music industry. Leaving no platform unturned, Kei has taken 2024 by the horns and placed the best opportunities in front of the artists supported by Third & Hayden. This year, names that have been preserved by Kei have gained blinding support and continue to shine due to what we consider “A1” managerial and operational handling.
Kei, founder of Third & Hayden, has participated in music industry for +10 years but has maintained a momentum for the mission of independency for artists and just agreements that cater to the betterment of the artists. Since early years of crafting music events in NYC with brands like 10 Deep to managing artists like 21 Savage and KEY!, Kei has navigated the music scene quiet brilliantly garnering the space Kei has developed today. Third & Hayden is home to outstanding acts like Jordan Hawkins, Annahstasia, Zhay Belle, Ben Reilly, KEY! and others, all who have had an extraordinary year.
Additionally, Kei inked an Artists Development Partnership with the largest Event Venue and Performance brand Live Nation this year. With a goal to “focus on developing legacy artists” Kei is continues to be an example of being a champion for GOOD within the music industry.
Many congratulations to Kei and the Third & Hayden team on an Outstanding 2024!
XTINA PRINCE
Christina Prince but best known as Xtina (Or X!) is not a new player in the industry but one who has been showcasing a high level of excellence in an executive manner for over +15 years. Today, Xtina is leading the charge of her upcoming startup called The Label Team, which will focus on supporting indie artists’ development & strategy. In previous years, X was formerly an A&R at Republic Records and key player in the development and launch of Republic’s distribution venture Imperial. A major marker many aren’t aware of when speaking about Xtina, is that X played as a secret weapon behind the launch of SZAs early career and A&R for See.SZA.Run and Ice Moon breaking her into cultural visibility landing her a spot on the TDE roster. This is all followed with her supporting Issa Rea’s The Raedio brand as their General Manager of Publishing & Operations. While there, Xtina helped Raedio grace the music scene with acts like GAWD, TeaMarrr, Ego Ela May and many others. Xtina also assisted in the breakout writing camp for S2 of RAP SH!T, securing the single featuring Sexxy Red and features like Maiya the Don, Enchanting and Cleotrapa and curated the breakout Memphis writing camp for music for the upcoming season of P-Valley.
Xtina has spearheaded many of these artists and opportunities, but this is consistent with X’s history as a Manager with her label The Blind Youth along with Xtina’s history of A&R work at Universal/Republic Records over the years. Today, Xtina continues to support her Blind Youth artists like Duckwrth, Late Night Jiggy, GAWD, GLAM and others.
In 2024 alone, we watched X’s support show up as her artists reached new heights like Duckwrth’s Cover and Interview with Gaffer and introducing the world to the dynamic duo that is GAWD. Xtina herself also took to centerstage this year as she provided mentorship at Next Gem Femme and again lead the charge at Camp Raedio which showcased many of female artists & talent from across the globe.
We are Super Proud of You XTINA! Stay Tuned for X’s 2025 Updates!
HAARLEM B
Known as Haarlem B, Shaniqua Branch is known for being a secret weapon at many major labels over the last 10 years. Many who have participated in the New York music scene and night life know Haarlem for her entrepreneur endeavors and go getter spirit. As the founder of Vate Records, Manager to talents like Jimmy Tents, and supporter of many signature records released over the years, Haarlem is what every brand and company looks for in a secret weapon.
Today, Haarlem is VP of A&R at Republic Records, which is home to talents like Ariana Grande, FLO, Foggieraw, Jelly Roll, Swedish House Music and a slew of household names. Haarlem is a signature component in finding those team members who best aid artists in the right direction with their sound and presentation.
We believe there is something special coming so stay tuned for more on Haarlem B!
SHAUNI CABALLERO
Shauni Caballero is a true example of going from forming an independent brand to making major label moves in real time. The founder of The Go 2 Agency, Shauni built an irresistible impression on the industry over the last few years and has only furthered her intentions. Shauni who is a student of the music industry made a huge break through when she brought UK act Central Cee to the scene with the shared hit record “Sprinter” with Dave. The song topped the UK charts for 10 weeks and made it’s way to the US. Shauni joined and made her way to the US as well.
Today, Shauni Caballero is a Senior A&R Manager at Sony Music Publishing where she continues to focus on bringing UK acts to the global stage. Names like Central Cee, Nippa, Nemzzz, and others are a few of Shauni’s acts that we can expect to continue to see gaining influence over the next year. For 2024, Shauni and The Go 2 Agency are embracing the globalized sensation that Central Cee’s single “Band4Band” featuring Lily Baby, has become.
A Huge Congratulations is due to Shauni Caballero and The Go 2 Agency on a classic year and much more success to come!
JEN PARK
Jen Park, to all who know her, is simply a joy to know and be around. Her brilliance and wittiness for Music Marketing and Development is not to go unnoticed due to her kind smile and warm expressions. Jen is still a shark in the music waters and knows how to take an independent talent to industry levels all while keeping their integrity and maintaining their leverage.
Today, Jen Park is an A&R at day, Talent Relations/Events Manager at night while giving us amazing new artists every year to enjoy. In 2024, Jen continued to present the new sound of 17-year-old California-artist Bossa, which lead to his signing at Atlantic Records/Anemoia Records. Bossa is one of many talents that gain guidance and support from Jen, and we expect to see more outbreaking acts appear in 2025.
SLIM DOLLARS & CREATIVE SET
Harlem, USA’s own Slim Dollars and his Tripset family have been a staple in the New York music and event scene for over 10 years. Nothing but growth has been on display by the team as Slim, Cal, Angry and the rest of the crew have gone from Party and Event promoters to A&Rs, Producers, Managers and all-around power players for New York’s growing sounds.
Slim himself has been an entertainment prodigy from a young age as he played many roles from model to rapper to socialite. The early years transformed Slim from simply being an artist to an influence in sound and strategy. In 2019, this was a breakthrough year for Slim Dollars as he was granted a venture opportunity with Pologrounds/RCA which has allowed Slim to sign, cultivate and develop new acts. Today, Slim & the team have formed the Creative Set which features many components any artist would need to see their music grow and gain global acknowledgement. A few names the Creative Set has supported in their journey include A$AP MOB, Ilham, Perrion, Kenzo B, Azealia Banks, Cuban Doll and many others. Slim Dollars himself have provided his production to many artists and continues to influence the City!
Slim seems to never rest so you can be sure there will be more from Slim in 2025.
Tech & Design
NICKYCHULO
Nick Fulcher more popularly known as @NickyChulo is one of today’s leading design directors for many of your favorite artists. Today, Nicky is the Art Director at Atlantic Records which grants their collective of artists access to Nicky’s eye for detail and innovative creative approach.
Nicky has become a brand of his own with his notable notebook that is meant to inspire the inner creative a safe space to jot down ideas. This tool is a template of the Nicky process when designing masterful artwork for your favorite artists. Nicky is renowned for crafting color-boards detailing the hues, colorways and design meshing that goes into curating memorable Artwork.
Many Congratulations To Nicky Chulo and Stay Tuned To See what He Has In Store for 2025.
POORMARTY
Martin Perry or most known as PoorMarty, is a leading agent in technology and music as one of the top creatives in digital design for art works across the music industry. Commissioned by the major labels such as Interscope, Marty is responsible for all the motion-based imagery we see on our Apple Music headers. The jack of all trades that Marty is, a digital genius and masterful creative.
Martin is 2d/3d/Animator who has honed his signature in the music industry for crafting appealing motion-based images from what were once still-images. He has become renowned for providing breakdowns and detailing his process across social media. Marty continues to create in multi-mediums and presenting his world to the masses piece by piece.
If you’re interested in learning 3D/Animation tricks, PoorMarty is one of the best doing it today. Stay tuned to what he creates in 2025
Live Music & Production
NFP (NU FLOW PRODUCTIONS)
Founded and lead by musical director and drummer Darion Ja’von who has assembled a one-of-a-kind team of musicians that has formed into Nu Flow Productions.
The now full production team has become the go-to for major live music moments such as Doja Cat’s IHeartFestival Performance to even more recently Ava Max’s Jimmy Kimmel Live debut. With Darion Ja’Von being one of the leading Music Directors in the industry today, NFP has the upper hand of having a true musician leading the charge while providing many other skillful musicians a chance to some of the biggest stages in entertainment.
With 2024 coming to and end, we can only assume NFP is taking this holiday season off but expect to see them busy early 2025.
GENTRY TOURING
A live performance is one part performance and another (and very important) is the preparation, which Gentry Touring is renowned for providing at the highest levels. Founded and ran by Eboni Gentry, this power production team is focused on building the staging that host your favorite artists.
Touring is a huge part of the Music Artists experience and the A-listers have very selective demands and needs to provide the best performance possible. Yes the music itself has to be pitch-perfect, but many forget about the lighting, sound, and feel of the performance and that is where Eboni and the Gentry Touring team step in. Names like A Boogie With The Hoodie, Snoh Aalegra, Jon Batiste, PartyNextDoor and many others call on Gentry for their tour needs and show demands. Major Festivals also see the Gentry Touring team in action such as Coachella, Ulta Miami, Austin City Limits and many more. Due to the demand, The Gentry Touring team has basically covered the globe this year alone. Documented brilliantly by Production Manager and out right socialite Noelle Chestnut Whitmore, followers of the label have had a chance to watch the jet-setting crew travel country to country supplying the best in Touring services.
2024 is wrapping up but you can be sure that Gentry Touring will be back on the road in 2025, so stay tuned!
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